Ironing board



F. C. LANGE ETAL IRONING BOARD Filed July 25, 1960 2 m T w W2 W 6% M W fimw n $3 April 2, 1963 3,983,482 Patented Apr. 2, 1963 and Iola S. Night- '796, both of Salt Lake City,

Filed July 25, 1960, Ser. No. 45,176 3 Claims. (Ci. 108-7) This invention relates to an ironing board which is especially suitable for use in ironing portions of garments such as sleeves of garments.

The object of the invention is to provide a device which is adapted to be suitably clamped to a supporting structure such as a portion of a conventional ironing board whereby sleeves of garments can be conveniently ironed, and wherein when the device of the present invention is not needed or when it is not being used, it can be readily pivoted to an out-of-the-way position.

Another object of the invention is to provide a sleeve ironing board which is provided with a locking means for maintaining the parts stationary in their desired adjusted positions, and wherein the platform on which the articles are being ironed is adapted to be tilted or moved to different angular positions as desired.

A further object of the invention is to provide a sleeve ironing board which is extremely simple and inexpensive to manufacture.

Other objects and advantages will be apparent during the course of the following description.

In the accompanying drawings, forming a part of this application, and in which like numerals are used to designate like parts throughout the same.

FIGURE 1 is a longitudinal vertical sectional view taken through the ironing board accessory of the present invention.

FIGURE 2 is a sectional view taken on the line 2-2 of FIGURE 1.

FIGURE 3 is a sectional view taken on the line 3-3 of FIGURE 1.

FIGURE 4 is a sectional view taken on the line 4-4 of FIGURE 1.

FIGURE 5 is a sectional view taken on the line 5-5 of FIGURE 1.

FIGURE 6 is a sectional view taken on the line 6-6 of FIGURE 1.

FIGURE 7 is a fragmentary perspective view illustrating certain constructional details of the present invention.

FIGURE 8 is a fragmentary sectional view illustrating a modification.

Referring in detail to the drawings, and more particularly to FIGURES 1 through 7 of the drawings, the numeral It} indicates an ironing board accessory which comprises a C clamp 11, and the clamp 11 is adapted to be arranged in engagement with a suitable supporting structure such as a portion of a conventional ironing board. The clamp 11 includes a horizontally disposed lower portion 12, an upstanding portion 13 and a horizontally disposed portion 14 which is arranged above the portion 12, and the numeral 15 indicates a securing element which threadedly engages the portion 12 whereby the securing element 15 can be tightened in order to maintain the clamp 11 in engagement with the supporting member such as the main or usual ironing board.

As shown in FIGURE 1 for example a plate 16 is suitably connected as at 17 to the upper portion of the clamp 11, and there is provided an L-shaped stop member 13 which is suitably affixed to the clamp 11, and the stop member 18 is adapted to be engaged or abutted by the plate 16 so as to limit swinging or pivotal movement of the plate 16 in a counter-clockwise direction, FIGURE 1.

As shown in the drawings there is provided a support 2 member 19 which is secured as by welding to the upper end of the plate 16. The numeral 20 indicates a platform which is arranged contiguous to the support member 1%, and the platform Zil includes a main body portion 21 and there is provided on the platform 20 a con tinuous depending flange 22 which helps strengthen the platform. A bracket 23 is suitably afiixed to the platform 2d, and the bracket 23 is adapted to engage the projecting end portion of the support member 19 as for example as shown in FIGURE 1 so as to help maintain the platform Zll properly connected to the support member 15.

The numeral 24 indicates a bushing which is secured as by welding to the support member 19, and the bushing 24 is provided with a threaded opening 25, and the numeral 26 indicates an adjustable screw member which has a threaded shank 27 which threadedly engages the opening 25 in the bushing 24. The screw member 26 also includes a head 28 that is adapted to engage the upper portion 14 of the clamp 11. Thus, by manually rotating the screw member 26 the platform 2t) can be raised or lowered or positioned at different tilted angles as desired and the hinge 17 permits the platform and support member to pivot or move as the screw member 26 is rotated.

The numeral 29 indicates a locking mechanism which is arranged as shown in the drawings, and the locking mechanism 29 includes a hollow casing or housing 30 that is suitably secured as by welding above the clamp 11. A coil spring 31 is arranged in the casing 30, and a slidable plunger 32 is normally urged outwardly by the spring 3-1, and the plunger 32 is provided with a lever or pin portion 34 which is mounted for movement through a cutout or slot 33 in the housing 30. The plunger 32 is provided with a reduced end portion 35 for engaging the head 28 of the screw member 26.

The numeral 44 indicates a latch mechanism which includes a unit 36 that is adapted to be fastened below the support member 19 as for example by means of rivets or securing elements 37, and the unit 36 is provided with a movable catch 38 which can be moved or rcciprocated as for example by means of a knob 39. An end of the support member 19 is recessed or cutaway as indicated by the numeral 40, FIGURE 7, and the numeral 41 indicates an L-shaped keeper which is suitably secured to the platform 20, as for example by means of rivets or securing elements 43, and the keeper 41 is provided with an opening 42 for selectively receiving therein the catch 38 as for example as shown in FIGURES l and 2.

Referring now to FIGURE 8 of the drawings there is illustrated a modified ironing board accessory which is indicated generally by the numeral 1%, and the accessory lil' includes a support member 19' which is arranged contiguous to a platform 20 and the platform 20' and support member 19' are rigidly secured together in any suitable manner, as by welding.

From the foregoing, it will be seen that there has been provided an ironing board accessory which is especially suitable for use in ironing portions of garments such as the sleeve portions of garments. In use, with the parts arranged as shown in the drawings and in particular as shown in FIGURES 1 through 7, it will be seen that the C clamp ll is adapted to be arranged in engagement with a suitable supporting structure such as a portion of a conventional ironing board and the securing element 15 can be tightened in order to maintain the clamp connected to such an ironing board or supporting structure. Then, with the parts in the solid line position of FIGURE 1 for example a sleeve which is to be ironed can be arranged over or in engagement with the right end portion of the r 3 platform 20 so that the sleeve can be conveniently ironed or worked on.

In addition, the position of the platform 20 can be I tilted up or down as desired and for example by manually rotating the screw member 26 in the bushing 24, the platform 20 can be pivoted up or down about an axis extending through the hinge 17. This is because the screw member 26 is arranged in threaded engagement with the opening 25 in the bushing 24, and the bushing 24 is rigidly secured to the support member 19. In addition the plate 16 has its upper end fastened to the support member 19, and the bracket 23 serves to detachably connect the projecting end of the support member 19 to an end portion of the platform 20. Thus, it will be seen that the head 28 of the screw member 26 rests on or abuts the upper surface of the portion 14 of the clamp 11, so that by screwing the member 26 in or out of the bushing 24 the platform 20 will be supported in different positions as desired.

The lock 29 functions to prevent accidental pivotal movement of the platform 29 as for example in the counter-clockwise direction as shown in FIGURE 1 since the spring 31 urges the plunger 32 outwardly, and the plunger 32 is provided with the reduced end portion 35 which extends over the head 28 of the screw member 26 so that with the parts in the position of FIGURE 1, the platform 20 cannot be moved or pivoted upwardly. However, when it is desired to adjust or move the platform 20 and its associated parts, it is only necessary to manually move the handle or lever 34 through the slot 33 in the casing 35) so as to stretch the coil spring 31 and the inner end of the slot 33 defines a shoulder which provides a means of selectively retaining the plunger retracted so that the portion 35 will not interfere with upward movement of the screw member 26, platform 20 and associated parts. With the plunger 32 retracted, it will be seen that the platform 20 as well as the support member 19 and plate 16 can be pivoted or swung due to the position of the hinge 17, and for example these parts can be moved from the solid line position of FIGURE 1 to the dotted line position of FIGURE 1, and the stop member 18 is adapted to be engaged by the plate 16 so as to limit counter-clockwise pivotal movement of the platform and support member.

In the arrangement shown in FIGURES 1 through 7, there is also. provided a detachable mounting for the platform 20 so that when desired the platform 20 can be removed and replaced by a platform of a different size or length as desired. To disengage or disconnect the platform 20 from the support member 19, it is only necessary to actuate the latch 44 as for example by moving.

the knob 39 so as to move the catch out of engagement with the opening in the keeper 41 and since the keeper 41 is fastened as at 43 to the platform 29, while the unit 36 is fastened as at 37 to the support member 19, it will be seen that this actuation of the latch 44 will permit the platform 20 to be separated or removed from the support member 19, it being understood that the bracket 23 is disengaged from the projecting end of the support member 19 when the platform 20 is disconnected from'the support member 19. Then, a new or different platform 20 can be arranged on the support member 19, and a bracket such as the bracket 23 and the coacting parts 36 and 41 will serve to maintain the platform 20' connected to the support member 19. a

In the modification of FIGURE 8, the ironing board accessory includes a platform 20 which is rigidly secured to the support member 19' so that in FIGURE 8 no latch mechanism 44 is needed or used. Otherwise the construction is generally the same as that shown in connection with FIGURES 1 through 7. For example in FIGURE 8 the plate 16 is adapted to be hingedly connected to a clamp such as the clamp 11 through the medium of a hinge such as the hinge 17 whereby when the ironing board accessory 10' is not being used or when it the platform.

is not needed, it can be swung or pivoted out of the way about an axis extending through a hinge such as the hinge 17. In addition the bushing 24 provides a means whereby the angular posit-ion of the platform can be varied or changed as desired.

The parts can be made of any suitable material and in difierent shapes or sizes.

It is to be noted that as shown in the drawings, the catch 38 is adapted to engage the opening 42 in the keeper 41 so as to prevent accidental separation or disengagement of the platform 20 from the support member 19. By manually moving the knob 39 the catch 38 can be retracted so that the catch 38 can be moved out of the opening 42 in the keeper 41.

In the modification of FIGURE 8, no latch structure 44 is used or needed since the accessory 10' of FIGURE 8 has its platform 20 secured as by welding to the support member 19. The plate 16 is connected to the support member 19, and the plate 16 is adapted to be hingedly connected to a clamp such as the clamp 11 as for example by means of a hinge 17 so that except for the fact that the platform is not removable in FIGURE 8, the device is adapted to be used in the same manner as previously described device of FIGURES 1 through 7.

Thus, it will be seen that in FIGURES 1 through 7 there is shown :a sleeve board with a removable platform arrangement, while in FIGURE 8 no removable platforms are utilized.

The novel sleeve board of the present invention is especially suitable for use by a housewife so as to provide an inexpensive means for saving time and labor and wherein sleeve board ironing can be accomplished and pressing can be taken care of efficiently and highly conveniently. The sleeve board may be fastened as for example by means of the C clamp 11 to any suitable projection which will hold a clamp'such as the edge of a table, but it is especially suitable for use with a regular or conventional ironing board. The platform 20 is adapted to be covered with a suitable padding material such was is used on a regular ironing board, and the plat- 7 form 20 isin a horizontal position and is adapted to be arranged at a suitable height to elevation for insuring that the operator can use the same with ease and convenience. When the device is not being used, or when the regular ironing board is to be used by itself, the device tilts back out of the way due to the hinge 17 so that for example the parts can move from the solid line position of FIGURE 1 to the dotted line position of FIGURE 1 whereby the regular ironing board can be used without any interference,

The platform 2% is adapted to be made of suitable material such as light gauge steel and the flange 22 around the outer circumference thereof helps strengthen It is to be understood that other suitable materials can be used for making the platform such as plastic, wood, aluminum, or the like. One of the important features or aspects of the device of FIGURE 1 is the removable platform 2i). Thus, it is apparent that a platform suitable for ironing or pressing mens and ladies coat sleeves, shirts, blouses and the like would not be suitable for a childs clothing due to the difference in size. By simply releasing the latch 44- on the under side of the support member 19, the platform 20 can be changed quickly and easily, so that platforms of different shapes or sizes can be used. On the other end of the platform 20 is the female flange or bracket 23 which slips over the male projection or end portion of the support member 19, and by engaging the bracket 23 with the adjacent end portion of the support member 19 and pushing down, the platform will be held firmly to its support 19 due to the position of the inner engaging catch 38 and keeper 41. The keeper 41 is a close fit in the cutout portion 40 of the support member 19 so as to prevent any end or lateral movement between the platform and the support. In view of the fact that the operation of the sleeve board is a downward pressure, the platform readily attaches itself to the support member rigidly at all times.

The latch 44- serves to retain the platform 20 on the support 19 when tilted back out of the operators way to a vertical position as shown in dotted lines in FIGURE 1. It is to be understood that the present invention is not limited to any particular construction of a catch and latch mechanism since other such devices besides those shown in the drawings may be used as for example a studded wing nut, a sliding bolt, spring, spring and ball or a magnetic arrangement may be utilized if desired.

Another feature of the present invention is the position of the adjustable stiif leg arrangement including the bushing 24 and screw member 26 and this construction makes it possible for a length of platform 20 whereby an entire sleeve may be ironed or pressed without wrinkling the sleeve. By turning the threaded cap screw or screw member 26, in the stiff leg or bushing 24 as for example by finger pressure, the platform 20 can be leveled, lowered or raised and this is sometimes necessary when being clamped by the clamp 11 to an uneven surface or when ironing or pressing sleeves of heavy material. The extended end of the platform 20 may be raised several inches so as to facilitate ironing or pressing as it permits the material to be passed under the platform more conveniently or readily.

Another important aspect of the present invention is the lock mechanism 29 and this functions as a safety and convenient feature and the primary object of this lock mechanism 29 is to lock the platform support 19 in a down position while the platform 20 is being removed for exchange purposes or to lock the platform 20 from tilting back While the ironing board is being stored when not in use. The construction of the lock 29 is quite simple and by pushing the small lever or handle 34, the spring actuated plunger 32 can move forward for example so as to have its portion 35 catch over the head of the stiff leg support screw 26, the head being indicated by the numeral 28 and this prevents the platform 20 from accidentally tilting back or up. By pushing the lever 34 up, the plunger 32 is locked in releasing the locking action and it is to be understood that the present invention is not to be restricted to any particularly locking action since other types may be used such as a plain sliding bolt, latches, catches, springs or the like.

Minor changes in shape, size and rearrangement of details coming within the field of invention claimed may be resorted to in actual practice, if desired.

What is claimed is:

1. In a device of the character described, a clamp, a stop member on said clamp, a plate hingedly connected to said clamp, a support member secured to said plate, a platform arranged contiguous to said support member and detachably secured thereto, a bushing affixed to said support member and depending therefrom, an adjustable screw member threadedly engaging said bushing and said screw member including a head for engaging the upper portion of the clamp, a locking mechanism carried by the upper portion of said clamp and adapted to releasably hold the head of said screw member in engagement with the upper portion of said clamp when in engagement therewith, and releasable interengaging latch means on said support member and platform.

2. In a device of the character described, a clamp including a horizontally disposed lower portion, an up standing portion, and a horizontally disposed upper portion arranged above said lower portion, an L-shaped stop member on said clamp, a plate hingedly connected to the upper portion of said clamp, a support member secured to the upper end of said plate, said stop member adapted to be engaged by said plate, a platform positioned adjacent to said support member and detachably secured thereto, a bushing affixed to said support member and depending therefrom, an adjustable screw member threadedly engaging said bushing and said screw member including a head for engaging the upper portion of the clamp, a locking mechanism carried by the upper portion of said clamp and adapted to releasably hold the head of said screw member in engagement with the upper portion of said clamp when in engagement therewith, and releasable interengaging latch means on said support member and platform and said latch means embodying a keeper, said platform including a main body portion and a continuous depending flange.

3. In a device of the character described, a clamp, a securing element connected to said clamp, a stop member on said clamp, a plate hingedly connected to said clamp, a support member affixed to said plate, a platform arranged adjacent said support member and detachably secured thereto, a bushing affixed to said support member and depending therefrom, an adjustable screw member threadedly engaging said bushing and said screw member including a head for engaging a portion of the clamp, and a locking mechanism for coaction with said screw member, said locking mechanism being carried by said portion of said clamp and adapted to releasably hold the head of said screw member in engagement with said portion of said clamp when in engagement therewith.

References Cited in the file of this patent UNITED STATES PATENTS 94,572 Crosby Sept. 7, 1869 357,614 Lutz Feb. 15, 1887 602,708 Siegfried Apr. 19, 1898 681,614 Bowen et a1. Aug. 27, 1901 

1. IN A DEVICE OF THE CHARACTER DESCRIBED, A CLAMP, A STOP MEMBER ON SAID CLAMP, A PLATE HINGEDLY CONNECTED TO SAID CLAMP, A SUPPORT MEMBER SECURED TO SAID PLATE, A PLATFORM ARRANGED CONTIGUOUS TO SAID SUPPORT MEMBER AND DETACHABLY SECURED THERETO, A BUSHING AFFIXED TO SAID SUPPORT MEMBER AND DEPENDING THEREFROM, AN ADJUSTABLE SCREW MEMBER THREADEDLY ENGAGING SAID BUSHING AND SAID SCREW MEMBER INCLUDING A HEAD FOR ENGAGING THE UPPER PORTION OF THE CLAMP, A LOCKING MECHANISM CARRIED BY THE UPPER PORTION OF SAID CLAMP AND ADAPTED TO RELEASABLY HOLD THE HEAD OF SAID SCREW MEMBER IN ENGAGEMENT WITH THE UPPER PORTION OF SAID CLAMP WHEN IN ENGAGEMENT THEREWITH, AND RELEASABLE INTERENGAGING LATCH MEANS ON SAID SUPPORT MEMBER AND PLATFORM. 